Letter of Intent (LOI) Stage
In this competitive re-granting process, approximately 15 grants for advanced career scholars of $100,000 per scholar and approximately 20 grants for early career scholars of $50,000 per scholar will be awarded. Scholars can apply for only one type of grant.
The submission deadline for Letters of Intent is February 1st, 2015.
This 3-page Letter of Intent (LOI) should describe the proposed project concretely and in detail and should indicate clearly why the proposed study promises significant contributions to inquiry into the enhancing of life. The LOI should include: (1) a title for the proposed project, (2) a description of the research planned, (3) an explanation of how the proposed project fits within this initiative, and (4) information on the project’s methodology and significance.
This LOI should be no longer than three pages in length (single-spaced, Times Roman 12-point font, 1 inch margins, in English). Only LOIs of this length and with a thorough description of the proposed research will be considered.
In addition to the actual letter, applicants will also be required to fill out an online application form and upload a copy of their CV, a budget using the Budget Summary Template, and a budget narrative. Additionally, two letters of recommendation are required and will be uploaded by the recommenders. The online application requests the names and contact information for these recommenders. Note well: Letters of recommendation are linked to applications via the applicant’s email address; please make sure the email address given for the applicant on the application matches the email address given for the applicant on each of the letters of recommendation.
The template for the application may be downloaded for review.
Once you have started the application, information may not be saved. Please have all documents ready for uploading.
Regarding the budget, there are no indirect costs awarded above the award, nor may the Scholar re-direct any portion of the award to his/her home institution. The grant can be used to “buy out” time from teaching. Uses of funds may include books, field studies, or other research expenses. Regarding travel, the transportation, lodging and meal costs of the residency seminars will be reimbursed above the award amount.
Scholars may also allocate funds to have significant others and family members join them at the seminar site(s). Scholars should be mindful of the fact that they are there to participate in the seminar, as suits their award at either the advanced career or early career level. Evening meals must be spent with other scholars, and not family members exclusively, and scholars must be at the late afternoon sessions for collaboration. The Project recognizes, though, that a two week (or five day) absence from significant others and family members may be a hardship, and thus offers the flexibility of having family members be present for all or part of the time. Scholars must assess which situation is best for their individual writing and collaboration.
An interdisciplinary and international Advisory Board of renowned scholars will review and evaluate the LOIs and select the most promising and relevant projects. The Advisory Board will be comprised of professionals from a range of fields including law, the sciences, psychology, communications, media studies, sociology, political sciences, a range of religious traditions, and diverse demographics.
In addition to these instructions, please see the FAQ. If necessary, you may email enhancinglife@uchicago.edu.
Full Proposal Stage
Applicants will be notified of our reviewers’ decisions by March 2nd, 2015, with submission of invited full proposals due no later than April 20th, 2015. Final award decisions will be issued by June 1st, 2015. Projects will begin July 26th, 2015 and will be completed by August 31st, 2017. Extensions on projects will not be available.
All full proposals must be submitted in English, single-spaced, on 8.5x11 inch paper, with one-inch margins. Font size will be 12-point, and font type must be Times New Roman. Full proposals that do not follow these font and margin specifications will not be accepted. Emphasis should also be placed on completeness and clarity of content. The full proposal must include all of the information below. Additional information on each of these will be provided when full proposals are invited.
1. Online application form, also known as the Full Proposal Cover Sheet
2. Narrative Academic Bio, 250 words
3. Executive Summary of your project, 250 words
4. Project Description (no more than 8 pages single-spaced)
5. Project Bibliography
6. Project Timeline
7. Budget and accompanying Budget Narrative, if you wish to revise it
8. Recent photo of yourself
An interdisciplinary and international Selection Committee of renowned scholars will review and evaluate submitted full proposals and will select the most promising and relevant projects. This Committee will ensure that funded proposals include the range of disciplines and diversity needed to address the goals of The Enhancing Life Project.